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- Peugeot Reveals New Electric 208 GTi
Peugeot Reveals New Electric 208 GTi
Andrew Evans
June 13, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Cadillac takes Le Mans qualifying front-row lockout
KITT replica fails to sell at auction
Volkswagen Golf GTI 50 is the fastest VW at the ‘Ring
LEGO reveals Shelby Cobra set
United Autosports confirmed as McLaren’s Hypercar team
...and more!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
The Peugeot E-208 GTi marks the brand's return to its performance roots, blending classic design elements with a powerful electric drivetrain. Unveiled at the 24 Hours of Le Mans race, this GTi has a front-mounted motor producing 276bhp and a 0-62mph time of just 5.7 seconds, alongside enhanced handling features.
Volkswagen's new Golf GTI Edition 50 has achieved a 7:46.13 second lap at the Nürburgring, making it the brand’s fastest ever model and surpassing the previous record held by the Golf R 20th Anniversary edition. While it remains a front-wheel drive model, the GTI's Performance package enhances its handling and agility, making it an appealing option in the hot hatch category.
In a significant escalation of tensions with California, President Trump enacted three federal laws aimed at reversing the state's progressive emissions regulations, including its ban on new gasoline-only vehicles by 2035. In response, California's Attorney General swiftly announced a lawsuit against the federal government, asserting that these laws were enacted without appropriate authority, a move supported by ten other states that adhere to California's stringent emissions standards.
Lamborghini continues to prioritize internal combustion engines, with plans to maintain their use as long as possible, despite the introduction of an electric concept car that won't see production until 2029. While the company adapts to stricter emissions regulations by incorporating hybrid technology into its models, it remains focused on delivering the emotional experience that defines its brand, even as it aims for carbon neutrality by 2050.
Honda is continuing to develop hydrogen technology and is entering the CR-V e:FCEV in the upcoming Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, where it will compete in a nearly standard configuration. Powered by the same 174hp motor as the conventional model and with seasoned driver Daijiro Yoshihara at the helm, the CR-V will be the first ever hydrogen-fueled vehicle to participate in the event,
FCA has agreed to a settlement regarding a class-action lawsuit involving defective door lock actuators in certain Dodge Grand Caravan models, offering affected owners a 10-year or 100,000-mile extended warranty. The settlement, which has received preliminary judicial approval, allows some owners to seek reimbursement for prior repair costs, while the law firm representing the plaintiffs is set to receive $1.75 million in fees.
Toyota is Being Sued By Hundreds of Mirai Owners Because Owning a Hydrogen-Powered Car is Just Awful
Toyota's commitment to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, particularly the Mirai, faces significant challenges due to a lack of accessible refueling infrastructure and ongoing legal disputes from dissatisfied owners. Many customers report being misled about the vehicle's practicality and refueling options, leading to severe depreciation and usability issues, particularly for those needing to travel outside California where hydrogen stations are scarce.
MOTORSPORT
Cadillac secured the top two positions on the grid for the 2025 Le Mans 24 Hours after strong performances from drivers Alex Lynn and Earl Bamber during the Hyperpole session. Despite Porsche's initial lead, Lynn and Bamber improved their times significantly, with Lynn clocking in at 3m23.166s and Bamber following closely at 3m23.333s, while several other competitors, including Ferrari and Toyota, faced challenges during qualifying.
McLaren is set to enter the World Endurance Championship's Hypercar division in collaboration with United Autosports, which will operate two LMDh hybrid prototypes starting in 2027. The team, led by James Barclay, aims to leverage its successful track record in LMP2 and GT3 and existing partnerships to develop a competitive vehicle, with testing scheduled to begin in early 2026.
The lifespan of the current Le Mans Hypercar and LMDh prototypes has been prolonged until 2032 for both the World Endurance Championship and IMSA SportsCar Championship, following a further extension. Additionally, the Asian Le Mans Series will welcome Hypercar entries from pro-am teams starting in the 2026-27 season, while Oreca and Ligier have been selected to produce the next generation of LMP2 chassis set to debut in 2028.
Ford has teamed up with Oreca to provide the chassis for its upcoming LMDh initiative, marking the company's return to the top class of the World Endurance Championship in 2027 after a lengthy absence. Dan Sayers, who previously contributed to Red Bull's Formula 1 engine development, will lead Ford's Hypercar project, emphasizing the brand's commitment to competing for victory at Le Mans.
The Genesis Magma Racing team is advancing its GMR-001 LMDh Hypercar, having recently completed a successful dyno test, while also establishing a new operational base in Le Castellet, France. Team principal Cyril Abiteboul also announced the appointment of new team members, including a team manager, a sporting director, and chief engineer, as it continues to develop ahead of its 2026 debut.
George Russell expressed surprise at Max Verstappen's acknowledgment of responsibility for their incident during the Spanish Grand Prix, which resulted in Verstappen receiving penalties that nearly put him at risk of suspension. Ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix, Russell clarified that while he found Verstappen's actions aggressive, he did not believe the Red Bull driver intended to cause a collision, and he appreciated Verstappen's admission of fault.
When the Spanish Grand Prix relocates to the new Madring street circuit in Madrid after more than 30 years at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, the second grand prix in the country will adopt a new name. The 2026 event at the former course will now officially be called the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, and while that will be the last race on the circuit’s current contract its ambassador, Fernando Alonso, believes that the track will return in future seasons.
FUN STUFF
The Shelby Cobra 427 S/C, a highly sought-after collector's item, is celebrated for its limited production and significant impact on the automotive landscape. In honor of its upcoming 60th anniversary, LEGO is releasing a detailed 1:10 scale model of the iconic vehicle, featuring functional elements and unique accessories that include a nod to Carroll Shelby’s “$100 bill” challenge.
A 1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am has been transformed into a KITT replica by the renowned Barris Kustom, adding significant appeal for collectors and fans of the iconic series. Although it recently attracted bids up to $41,500, it did not sell, likely due to its high reserve price, yet its authentic features and notable signatures from George Barris and David Hasselhoff make it a desirable piece for true enthusiasts.
The RSR Project has introduced a newly reimagined 1986 Porsche 911, featuring a striking Signal Orange finish and a meticulously rebuilt 3.4-liter flat six engine paired with a five-speed manual transmission. With a starting price of approximately $375,000 and a focus on restoring classic elements combined with modern enhancements, these bespoke vehicles cater to enthusiasts seeking a blend of nostalgia and contemporary performance.
With just 12 models made, and exclusively for the United Arab Emirates market, the Bentley Mulsanne Grand Limousine is one of the rarest vehicles from the brand. That makes the model up for auction an unusual find, with high luxury appointments inside and a distinctive Rubino Red/Light Gazelle two-tone exterior finish complementing a low 4,434-mile odometer reading to result in a price expected to end at around $600,000.
A 2016 Ford Focus RS, featuring a Stealth Gray exterior and a Charcoal Black interior, is currently up for auction with no reserve, allowing the highest bidder to take ownership. With a mileage of 47,900 and a range of modifications, this vehicle has some cosmetic wear but has been well-maintained, last serviced in August 2024, and has thus far attracted an initial bid of $8,500.
A nearly new Lordstown Endurance electric pickup is listed for sale on Facebook Marketplace, with the owner in Linden, Michigan, asking for $32,000 - well below the original price of over $65,000. With fewer than 40 units produced before the company's closure, this unique vehicle features four in-wheel motors but faces challenges such as limited parts availability and questionable reliability due to past recalls.
Toyota Australia's latest advertisement effectively highlights the Land Cruiser's blend of tradition and humor, featuring various owners engaging in outdoor activities across the Outback. The commercial not only emphasizes the vehicle's reliability and versatility but also fosters a sense of community among Land Cruiser enthusiasts, recognizing the model's deep-rooted popularity in Australia.
That's all for today! We would love to hear your feedback, so just reply to this message to let us know what you thought about this issue. See you next time!